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Our View: Forget the blame, let's fix Canal Street

Posted:
02/13/2013 10:36:39 AM MST

Canal Street's had a history of problems. Anyone who has been in Carlsbad for any stretch knows about the thoroughfare's drainage issues and the nearly two years of reconstruction that was supposed to put an end to them. Today, the issues aren't as obvious -- but they're costly.

Admitting you have a problem is the first step toward fixing it. That's why we're encouraged to hear Acting Department of Transportation Secretary Tom Church admit to errors in Carlsbad's $20 million reconstruction of Canal Street. That massive project, as you'll likely remember, was a frustrating mess for drivers and business owners for much of 2011 and 2012. And, though it's certainly a more pleasant drive these days, the frustrations aren't over. The federal government, which provided a majority of the project's funding, says the curbs weren't built according to the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act. That means costly corrections are in order.

Church met with Carlsbad officials Monday as part of the Bat Brigade meetings local representatives conduct each year in Santa Fe. He apologized for the errors, and promised the state will help pay for some of the fixes.

"We are embarrassed the way we did things," he said. "We can't afford to fix everything, but are responsible financially for some of it."

So there it is. The problem's been identified and responsibility's been taken. Now it's important for Carlsbad to work closely with Church and the transportation department to ensure a timely and fair solution.

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Let's figure out the best path forward, so that Carlsbad isn't still talking about Canal Street's problems in 2014.